New EPI resource answers frequently asked questions about immigration

A new EPI FAQ provides essential facts and short answers to many of the most important questions on immigration and the economy while addressing misconceptions and misinformation about the immigration system. The first three sections—published today—cover immigrants and their role in the economy, unauthorized immigrants, and immigration enforcement in the workplace. Four more sections will be published in the coming weeks, covering green cards and temporary work visas, the U.S. refugee program and asylum system, and temporary immigration protections. The FAQ includes dozens of interactive and downloadable charts in an accessible format.

The first section looks broadly at the U.S. immigrant population and shows that immigrants punch above their weight in the economy and are critical for workforce growth. The section also answers questions like: How many immigrants reside in the United States? How much do immigrants contribute to the economy? What are the top occupations for immigrants? Do immigrant workers affect wages for U.S. workers?

Another section clears up common misconceptions about unauthorized immigrants and the economy. For example, despite being ineligible for most government benefits and services, unauthorized immigrants still pay billions in taxes. The section answers questions like: How many unauthorized immigrants live and work in the U.S.? Which industries do they work in? How do unauthorized immigrants affect state and federal budgets? How would mass deportations affect the U.S. economy?

The third and final section published today looks at the types of actions that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) takes to enforce immigration laws at workplaces. For example: What happens when DHS raids a workplace? How do raids affect workers and employers? What is E-Verify?

“Immigration is among the most important economic and political issues and a major topic of discourse and debate among policymakers and the public, but misperceptions persist about many fundamental aspects of this crucial topic,” said Daniel Costa, EPI’s director of immigration law and policy research. “Immigrant workers help grow the U.S. economy and are the backbone of many industries. However, too many politicians continue to scapegoat immigrants to advance a political agenda that seeks to divide people who might otherwise come together to demand better conditions for all workers.”